One IAF pilot feared dead after two Surya Kiran jets crash in Bengaluru

BENGALURU: One pilot was feared dead after two Surya Kiran aircraft of the IAF Aerobatics Team collided mid-air at the Yelahanka airbase in Bengaluru on Tuesday while rehearsing for the Aero India show.

"There were three pilots, one has died, two are safe with injuries," DGP Fire Services M N Reddi who rushed to the spot told PTI.

A civilian was also injured in the mishap, police said.

"Today morning at around 1150 hrs, two Hawk aircraft of Suryakiran aerobatic team of IAF crashed while practicing for the forthcoming Aero India Air Show. Three pilots were occupants. Two pilots ejected and have been evacuated to the Command Hospital. The third pilot sustained fatal injuries. Damage to life and property in the vicinity of the crash site is being ascertained. A Court of Inquiry will investigate the cause of the accident," said IAF in its official statement.

"I'm aware of it (incident)," Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said, but did not elaborate further when asked about the accident.

She said this on the sidelines of an event here.

The cause of the mishap is yet to be ascertained.

Further details are awaited.